Cancer knows no borders

3rd February 2017

Cancer is a vile disease that shatters families and destroys lives. If we are to tackle it then we all need to work together, sharing expertise, research and funding. This is the message from Cancer Research UK as they and fellow cancer charities prepare for World Cancer Day on 4th February 2017.

As a member of the MEPs Against Cancer Group, Ashley Fox, MEP for the South West of England & Gibraltar and Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, is a firm supporter of this need for a joined up approach and is a signatory to the joint statement for World Cancer Day.

“I want the EU to prioritise the tackling of Cancer in their Research programmes and ensure that academics are able to travel and communicate freely across the whole of Europe.”

“As Britain prepares for Brexit we know that we will be leaving the EU, but that doesn’t mean that we should seek to pull up the draw bridge and cast ourselves adrift entirely,” comments Mr Fox. “There is a real benefit to research in vital areas, like the fight against cancer, by taking a coordinated approach with our European neighbours.”

“Non-EU countries already participate in Horizon 2020, Europe’s research programme, and I would hope that Britain would also seek a similar arrangement and continue a joined up approach in combatting the disease."